Meier Skis Prospector – Hand Crafted in Denver with Sustainable Materials

Meier Skis

Michael Clemente

What’s the most important thing about skiing? The peacefulness of fresh snowfall, going on an adventure, spending time with friends? I guess that depends on who you ask, or the day. But there is one thing most people shouldn’t disagree on. We need to protect our resources to continue enjoying these incredible outdoor adventures. And I cannot think of a single ski manufacturer exemplifying this more than Meier Skis.

Rather than focus on the model ski which I’ve now enjoyed for 2 seasons, the Prospector, I’ll instead talk for a bit about why I love Meier Skis as a company.

If we want to continue enjoying the precious resource of snow, we know that we need to use more sustainable resources. Skis are often shipped across the world wrapped in plastic. Instead, Meier’s materials are sourced locally, made locally, then packaged and shipped using recycled materials.

 

 

 

 

So I’d like to talk the brand and their commitment to sustainability. I’ll start with the most visible and beautiful part, the wood. Every pair of Meier Skis is made from aspen, poplar and beetle kill pine. This is all wood that needs to be cleaned up from our forests in Colorado to prevent forest fires, and might otherwise go to waste.

That’s huge. Some of the land I’ve skied on was once home to the same wood in my skis that was once found there. Using wood from in Colorado means they aren’t shipping resources very far to get what they need to make the skis. They could have opted to use a variety of other materials, metal, plywood, the list goes on. But using locally sourced wood is not only a solid option for a top notch ski, it’s sustainable.

The skis are then hand crafted in Denver. And not the same way other locally made skis are. You can actually visit the shop where they are made, and see it happen while having a beer in their “Craft Skiery.”

 

 

 I’d highly recommend stopping by here for a beer and to talk about your last ski adventure with the team in the shop.

 If you aren’t able to make it to Denver, not to worry, the skis are even shipped to you sustainably. Remember that I mentioned earlier about skis coming in plastic? Not Meier Skis. The same paper they use to imprint the artwork on the skis is reused and wrapped around them for shipping. Instead of discarding the waste, that paper gets another life protecting your new skis while in transit.

Their skis are also made to order. This means it’s a good time to think about ordering them now, before the snow starts to fall. 

 

It also means you can put your own custom artwork on these beauties. While the woodwork is gorgeous on its own, they have incredible graphics and you can even design your own. They have so many beautiful designs to choose from, and if one of them isn’t to your liking, you can add your own flavor. I can’t think of many other other local  manufacturers offering this same unique look. 

 

 

 To sum up why these skis are so awesome, I’ll use the same comparison from this video showing how they are made. “It’s a matter of preference, some like beers from large breweries, and others, prefer beer from local micro breweries.”

Anyone who’s had a local Colorado beer vs. a Bud light knows which is preferable. But while some microbreweries only make one style of beer that might not fit your taste, Meier makes a ski for everyone. And all with the similar materials and the same wood core, and all sustainably hand crafted. Stop by their shop, enjoy a beer there, and you’ll see what I mean.

 

 

 So, now to the skis that I’ve been enjoying. After I first ventured into the sport 7 years ago, backcountry skiing has become my preferred winter activity. If you’re reading this, I won’t try to explain why it’s so much different than resort skiing.

But earning turns and enjoying the adventure and views on the way  up with friends is the best part. Finding fresh pow turns for the way down is the added perk that can also be hard to find at the resorts. Gear has to be lighter to help on the uphill, and in many ways stronger to hold up to the more demanding conditions.

 So, as I mentioned above, Meier has a ski for everyone. I chose the Prospector 106, a 96mm version is also available for more hardback conditions.

 This ski is made for the backcountry, but built to ski in the resort when you want to take a few lift served laps. For those looking to enjoy both, this ski is it. It’s incredibly light but still holds up well in variable conditions. When I’ve found myself in some dicier spots, I was always able to trust it. Even in this pic here, where I was on some breakable wind crust, it skied like a dream.

 

I’ve put this ski through the ringer. Spending time out of bounds often means “objects may not  be marked” or “early season conditions” ever seen that sign at the resort? Yeah, that’s most days in the backcountry, I need skis that can stand up to that. And wow, after 2 seasons of it being my go to, these truly have.

 I’ve enjoyed some incredible deep pow days on them, taken them heli-skiing in Silverton, wind crust in the backcountry, and on early season groomer runs at Loveland. The Prospector is incredibly agile, and I can trust it, which is exactly what I want in my gear, especially in the backcountry. Trustworthy and reliable gear.

 

Many people have commented, “I’ve never seen those skis, they look awesome.” My response is the same as when I then suggest a local place to check out, the wood you see in them is made from local trees.

 

Any Coloradan Skier (or Snowboarder) should go check out the Skiery on south Broadway. Have a beer there and talk about their favorite ski adventures with the crew at Meier. I’d bet after your visit, you’ll want some Colorado handmade wood planks under your feet this upcoming season

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Michael Clemente

Michael loves to ski. No, seriously,  Michael loves to ski. Let’s qualify this.

Growing up on the East Coast he found NYC and DJ culture. While working for a massive tech company during the day he played and mixed electronic music at night. Somewhere amid this excess, he found skiing. It was enough to inspire a transfer to Denver. And, after driving over Loveland Pass on his way to ski at Arapahoe Basin for the first time, he realized how good his decision was. He also took up yoga.

60lbs lighter and tons of fun later he recognized how skiing had started him on a journey. He gave up the corporate job, bought a truck and a multi-resort ski pass and took off. #trucklife is like #vanlife only smaller and more frugal. A winter touring the US, Canada, and AK was inspiring. But, he wanted to be home in Colorado, so he moved to Summit County and started working in Outdoor Retail.

Did you guess you can find him skiing in the winter? Backcountry or resort its all good. In the summer he is thinking of skiing, riding a mountain bike, or hiking in the mountains.

You can find out more about his trip skiing 22 resorts or some of his other adventures at www.othersidemtn.com or Instagram @michaelclemente